synthanatomy’s M-VAVE SMK-37 Pro: The $70 Synth with Street Cred

When synthanatomy kicks off a video talking about the summer heat and a slow synth market, you know it’s all about keeping things chill yet curious. The M-VAVE SMK-37 Pro is introduced as that budget-friendly thrill ride you can score off AliExpress for under 80 bucks. This device ain’t just mixing in groove for the price-conscious; it’s a full-on jack-of-all-trades MIDI keyboard with extras like Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in FM synth. Right off the bat, it promises features that sound like a DJ’s wishlist—without breaking the bank.

First things first, this little number is battery-powered, which means freedom to groove untethered. Connectivity options like Bluetooth MIDI ensure you’re not tied down with cables. The keyboard itself, featuring a 37-key bed, feels slightly spongy yet totally serviceable for a $70 to $80 device. It’s got pitch and mod wheels to get your expressive juices flowing, though there might be a learning curve with surprises lurking in firmware updates that fix occasional quirks.

Those faders and encoders might not be top-tier, but for this price? They’re golden despite a bit of wobble. The M-VAVE delivers with drum pads that are not just hitting beats; they even come with aftertouch and note repeat functions. Downsides? You have to press the note repeat button to change parameters, which is akin to those classic synths that make you dance through hoops, but it’s a minor quirk in the grand scheme.

Here we hit the core: the FM synthesizer. It’s got potential, but synthanatomy points out some jitter and audio hiccups that make it less of a love affair and more of a quirky fling. Still, the DX7-inspired engine tries to keep the good vibes flowing, even if it doesn’t stack up to its Yamaha muse. Future firmware might dial down the jitters, but until then, expect some garage vibes from this budget beast.